Advice on Pets, Life, Love

Dear Dog Lady,

I have adopted a dog from a shelter on the North Shore. Not much is known about her except she was rescued from a puppy breeding farm somewhere in the South and she is about a year old.

I want to call her Skitters (her real name is Snickers) because she is a very nervous dog and behaves somewhat like a cat because she hides all the time. Her favorite place is under the bed. When I look for her, I crouch down and pull up the dust ruffle to see her frightened eyes staring at me. She does come out to go for walks and to eat. She is house-trained and never makes a peep. I just feel so bad for her. How can I let her know I'm one of the good guys?

Millie

Dear Millie,

Every day you let her know you're a good guy because you feed her and walk her. You are also patient with her. You could coo to her because soft sounds soothe. You might also place little high-test food treats around the perimeter of the bed skirt (pieces of chicken or freeze-dried liver chunks) so she understands snacking is good on "the other side." When dog-friendly people come over, leave the bedroom door open to see if Miss Snickers comes out to socialize a little. If she does, reward her with a tidbit or two but ignore her, acting as if it is perfectly normal for her to be part of the crowd.

Basically, let her be her. Your kindly aura will change her daily. You just must be patient and give her opportunities to socialize without forcing her. Dog Lady adopted a Mr. Skitters. He didn't hide under the bed; he hid behind her legs. After two years of cowering, he's finally stepping out on his own.

Dear Dog Lady,

My mom's boyfriend has a Doberman pinscher. The Doberman sleeps in the living room usually. But when my mom was there visiting, the Doberman slept outside her room every night and even followed her if she went to the bathroom. The dog was very loving and friendly. Both my mom and her gentleman friend are elderly.

My mom wonders if you think the dog was protecting her or if he was protecting the owner from my mom. My mom is 88 and reads your column faithfully. This is driving her crazy. If you could shed some light we all would be grateful.

Paula

Dear Paula,

The doting Doberman pinscher chaperones both parties, with a particular allegiance to your mom's gentleman friend. How thoughtful for the dog to escort your mother to the bathroom in the middle of the night. But let's not kid ourselves; Dobermans are muscle-bound, jaw-ready watchdogs. This guy stands sentry on the home front.

Dogs pick up cues and signals in amazingly short order. In this case, the Doberman has a clear indication from its human (the gentleman friend) that your mom is welcome. However, the dog knows its duties and has sharp instincts to guard and protect. The dear beast can't help but keep a watchful eye on the proceedings. Mom has every right to feel protected - and warned not to try any funny business.

Write askdoglady@gmail.com.